DEFINING STEREOTYPES: “An idea or statement about all of the members of a group or all the instances of a situation.” (Merriam-Webster). Stereotypes enable bias and preconceived notions to perpetuate, but can also reveal valid cultural aspects. For instance, though a picture of popular Belgian waffles is posted (humorously), I can attest that these are truly excellent treats.
Typical Stereotypes you might hear: “Americans love baseball and burgers.” “Burqas are oppressive and Muslims are dangerous.” “The Irish and Russians drink all the time.” “Chinese people love martial arts.” “The French are rude.” “Brazilians only party.” “Italians are always loud.”
Belgian waffles. 
Amsterdam/Red Light District
We are all occasionally guilty of making assumptions about a foreign culture. Are we right, and is there ever truth to some stereotypes, or are we wrong? What can we do to oppress stereotypes stemming from ignorance? Does media (film, TV, news) play a role in creating perceptions?
P.S. New interviews will be posted soon! I’m always interested in recommendations for story ideas, please feel free to contact me. Thank you for following!
Filed under: Culture, Travel Tagged: culture, food, foreign, media, News, photography, stereotypes, travel., USA
